Monday, December 10, 2007

The Traditions of Christmas - Christmas Windows

Our friend Joanne was here last week for a conference but we managed to get together on Friday for the day. She was staying downtown near the Colesseo and as I head up Capo del'Africa to her hotel I was greeted by the sight of Gladiators and Senators heading to work. Anyone who has been to Rome will know what I mean - the guys in costume who stand around the Colesseo and Foro trying to pull you in for a bus or guided tour. These guys are probably in more vacation photos than bartenders in Jamaica but there they were trudging to work, swords and laurel wreaths in hand, like every 9 to 5 Joe.

Joanne has been to Rome before but it gave us a chance just to amble along taking a look at the odd thing here and there. Our walk down a side street off Corso lead us to a pastry story that has this incredible chocolate and spun sugar Presepe or crêche in the window:Just as we were entering Piazza Navona we saw these two windows in a children's store (that Joanne and I reflected in the window):

About Me

Back in Ottawa after four wonderful years in Roma. Good and close friendships have been made, wonderful times had and two puppies adopted us. We aren't returning empty handed or hearted. But, as always, the "romantic gush gets a bitch slap" equation still applies. NO DAMN IT! It was romantic.

Another Flicker of Light

"If you have a candle, the light won't get any dimmer if I light yours off mine." - Steve Tyler

A Thought

"My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world."Jack LaytonJuly 18, 1950 - August 22, 2011